5 Questions With… Nathalie Saad

Nathalie Saad, although new to the fashion design scene, has already created a collection geared towards a deeper meaning in our society: surrealism and diverse global issues. This Lebanese American University graduate is using fashion to spread awareness while providing eclectic, authentic pieces. We’re glad we had the chance to feature Nathalie in our 5 Questions With… series. Read the entire interview below.

I design urban modern luxury clothes for women and men. I studied fashion design at the Lebanese American University in Beirut/Lebanon. The program was founded by Elie Saab in collaboration with London College of Fashion. My designs are mostly inspired by art movements such as surrealism and diverse global social issues. Fabric manipulation and tailoring are always recurrent in my designs, experimentation, and exploration of new possibilities are a must for every creation. Behind the beautiful aesthetics created usually hides a serious subject/message. I target a young generation that shares my ideal for equality and justice and are active or aware of the social movements of the world but as well artistic dreamers taken away by unconventional aesthetics.

“My designs are mostly inspired by art movements such as surrealism and diverse global social issues.” – Saad

What influence has Nathalie Saad had in the fashion industry thus far?

Since I am a fresh graduate, I haven’t made any major impact on the fashion industry yet but I am pursuing my work and planning on doing so in the near future. For the little time that I had as a recent graduate, I’ve changed the perception of clothing and fashion in the entourage around me and the youth culture in Lebanon. I have upcoming projects in Lebanon and in Paris which will help me expand my brand and vision. Hopefully sharing my idea of fashion for a cause, meaning luxury modern clothing but voicing a social issue and helping in different ways to raise awareness or more for each cause represented in each collection.

What are some trials and tribulations that you’ve faced as an emerging designer?

As an emerging designer, I face multiple difficulties. Firstly, it was hard for people to value the hard work that a fashion designer goes through and it was hard for them to understand how difficult and tiring it is to create a collection and brand. It’s hard to set my credibility as a hard-working, serious, business person like so many others. Finding the exact materials you have in mind isn’t always easy. Pricing your product is another difficulty because you have to make your customer understand your pricing as well.

“When I start sketching and design developing I don’t think about the technicalities and if the product can actually be done, I put my ideas on paper and then look for possible ways of doing it.” -Saad

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as an emerging designer?

The best reward for me is having a product that was just an absurd idea in my mind just a while back, in

front of my eyes. When I start sketching and design developing I don’t think about the technicalities and if the product can actually be done, I put my ideas on paper and then look for possible ways of doing it. The process of making this idea and creating 2,3,4 mockups until the final product is here is the most satisfying and rewarding feeling. Furthermore, the positive reactions of the people looking at your final work and knowing that they are impressed and pleased with my designs motivate me greatly. The awareness that my ideas and designs are appreciated and that they also amaze some people brings me a lot of happiness.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to your fellow emerging designers?

Never give up no matter the level or amount of difficulties you face. For me, the secret to success is to always keep going, learn from my mistakes and most importantly believe in yourself and your ideas even if nobody does. Everything is in your hands and you have the power to take your brand wherever you want it to go.